### 254

The young barmaid takes your order and tells you to take a seat in a vacant booth near the front door. She will bring your meal to your table shortly. You go and settle yourself down on the comfortably padded bench seat and quietly observe Anseng and the innkeeper who are engaged in conversation at the end of the counter. A ripple of applause among the patrons draws your attention to a curtained archway in the far wall. The curtain is drawn aside and a troupe of entertainers files into the taproom, smiling with gratitude at the warm welcome they are receiving. They have performed for the patrons earlier this evening and now they return for their final performance of the night. As the applause dies down, the barmaid arrives at your table with a tray bearing a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables, mixed with a generous helping of diced lamb and chicken. There is also a tall glass of local ale.

‘Thirty Ren, kind Sir,’ she says, as she places the food and drink on the table before you. 30 Ren is equivalent to 3 Gold Crowns which are readily accepted throughout Chai.

If you wish to pay the girl 3 Gold Crowns, turn to 200.

If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns to pay for your meal, turn to 339.